Plans for former Gardiner Haskins site recommended for approval

Plans for the Soapworks development at the former Gardiner Haskins site has been recommended for approval.

Plans for the site, which developers First Base hope will generate up to £200m in long-term benefits for the nearby community, have been submitted to Bristol City Council and will go to committee on Wednesday, March 31.

If approved, the new £175m development will consist of two new buildings and a restoration of the Grade II-listed Soapworks building.

During the consultation phase in 2019, almost 6,000 local residents helped shape plans for the site, with more than 80 per cent supporting the proposals.

Plans for the Gardiner Haskins site include 200,000 sq ft of commercial, retail and co-working space, 159 hotel units, space for pop-up restaurants and market stalls and 166 new homes for single occupants, couples and families.

First Base has also partnered with The Social Value Portal to ensure the new development will improve opportunities, life chances and wellbeing in the Old Market area.

“We want to ensure that tangible long-term community benefits are maximised throughout the lifecycle of the project and that our proposals benefit wider society, whether that’s residents, workers or visitors to the site,” says Lucinda Mitchell, project director at First Base.

“We’re delighted to be contributing to Bristol’s inclusive and sustainable recovery with £200m in social value to provide a much-needed boost after the pandemic.”

First Base is proposing to transform the Soapworks site, including the former Gardiner Haskins warehouse, in Old Market with a landmark mixed-use development that will celebrate Bristol’s industrial past and creative culture. Image: First Base

In order to generate the £200m of community benefit planned over the next 20 years, First Base has committed to a number of social value policies:

• A policy-compliant level of affordable housing in Old Market which will help to meet demand from local people for new homes.
• Delivering more than 2,000 new jobs for the local community, including for those not in education, employment or training and rehabilitated offenders.
• Providing skills and training opportunities for local people.
• Providing more than 6,000 sq m (equivalent to 23 tennis courts) of green, open and play spaces for the community to use.
• Supporting diversity through procurement and ‘buy local, buy social’ in the supply chain.
• Developing a diverse economy and balanced communities by carrying out commitments as a Bristol Property Inclusion Charter founder signatory and through progressive procurement processes, such as committing to supporting local BAME enterprises in partnership with Cognitive Paths and Black South West.
• Improving sustainable transport connectivity within a car-free development, promoting walking activities such as the Old Market Walking Tour and provision of new cycling infrastructure.
• Cleaner energy and improved environment, supported by the First Base sustainability charter and more than 100 new species of plants and new trees, supporting local wildlife and opportunities to “grow-your-own” fruit and vegetables.
• Improving educational outcomes through upskilling and work-place training opportunities for local people throughout construction and working with local schools and colleges, such as Hannah More Primary School.
• Reducing crime through training opportunities with the probation service and associated charities, such as Sixty One.
• Reducing social and economic isolation and improving health and wellbeing through work with local health groups, active lifestyle initiatives and wellbeing charities, such as Off The Record.
• Minimising homelessness with key charity partners who work within this sector, such as 16-25 Independent People.

“I’d like to thank the local community for their support and for helping us shape these plans” says Lucinda.

“We are delighted that our plans to bring the Soapwork’s back to life have been recommended for approval. Our proposals will create new jobs, homes and community amenities, supporting Bristol’s inclusive and sustainable recovery.”

Main image: First Base

Read more: ‘How can Bristol ensure all communities become an inclusive part of its present and future?’